Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Program

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV offers a premier Sports Medicine Fellowship that focuses on advanced primary care training for highly qualified physicians. This program is recognized as one of the top training opportunities available in the western United States and provides exceptional educational experiences within a diverse clinical setting. The fellowship emphasizes training specific to musculoskeletal injuries, exercise physiology, and medical issues pertinent to athletes, while enabling fellows to manage the healthcare needs of Division I collegiate athletes.

Program Structure

The Sports Medicine Fellowship operates under the accreditation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is designed to deliver a wealth of learning opportunities. The program spans over one year, during which fellows gain extensive clinical experience in managing musculoskeletal disorders through longitudinal training.

Fellows participate in hands-on training at the UNLV athletic center and various primary care sports medicine facilities. This innovative approach also allows for rotations with experienced professionals in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and pediatric sports medicine, ensuring that fellows receive comprehensive exposure to a variety of specialties. The program’s director, who is the head team physician for UNLV athletics, directly supervises fellows, providing invaluable mentorship and insight.

Curriculum and Educational Opportunities

The curriculum is structured to foster the development of essential skills required for careers in sports medicine. This includes weekly didactic sessions every Monday, which emphasize topics relevant to primary care sports medicine and preparation for the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) exam. Fellows are expected to engage actively by presenting cases and lecturing on sports medicine topics to medical students.

Additionally, fellows will work on a scholarly project throughout their year in the program and will be expected to present their findings at professional meetings, including the AMSSM annual conference, demonstrating their academic contributions to the field.

Training Sites and Clinical Experience

The fellowship incorporates diverse training sites, including:

• Primary Care Sports Medicine Clinic at the UNLV athletic training room.
• Orthopedic sports medicine clinics.
• Pediatric orthopedics and musculoskeletal radiology.
• Primary Care Sports Medicine Clinic at the School of Medicine Patient Care Center.

Fellows also have opportunities to cover various sporting events, enhancing their practical experience and exposure to real-life scenarios. Events include home games for men's and women's sports teams and participation in local sports events such as marathons and triathlons.

Research and Projects

The program is linked with several grant-funded initiatives aimed at elevating sports medicine practices and patient outreach. These include the Nevada Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP), which provides medical screenings and educational resources to affected individuals, and the Nevada Family Medicine: Maternity Care Advancement Project that enhances healthcare access.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The application process to the Sports Medicine Fellowship is highly competitive, with around eight to ten applicants interviewed for each academic year. Successful candidates should have completed a three-year accredited family medicine residency and demonstrate a clear interest in sports medicine. Key application requirements include:

• Completion of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) application.
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director.
• Copies of all United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores.
• A letter of interest and a personal statement.

The program tends to attract a diverse mix of applicants, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians, thereby encouraging a broader representation in sports medicine.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international applicants, which may include sponsorship opportunities for J-1 or H-1B visas, facilitating participation from qualified foreign medical graduates.

Fellowship Outcomes

The fellowship has a strong track record of success; 100 percent of graduates have passed the CAQ exam on their first attempt, highlighting the program's commitment to excellence in training. Alumni of the fellowship have pursued careers in diverse settings, including academia, private practice, and urgent care, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the fellowship experience.